Education Program

Education is a top priority at Gray Wolf Ranch and a responsibility we take very seriously. Our program is designed to each resident’s individual needs and can accommodate all ages and grade levels, including college-level courses and job training.

Many of our residents have had negative experiences in school. In addition to making sure they have an opportunity to earn a diploma, we work hard to build a positive school experience, helping them to take responsibility for their education and discover a passion for learning.

When our residents are allowed to work at their own pace and given the individualized assistance that they need, they experience—many for the first time-the joy of setting and achieving goals. In earning their diploma or GED, they open the door to job opportunities, college and enhanced self-esteem.

GRAY WOLF LEARNING CENTER

With the opening of our Learning Center in June 2004, we made a commitment to providing the best possible educational opportunities for our residents. Our board certified teachers assist residents in developing the most appropriate educational plan. The staff is also available to provide on-site help with schoolwork, testing and educational counseling.

In addition to schoolwork, the Learning Center provides Gray Wolf residents with help exploring potential career opportunities using the career-interest assessment tools found at http://www.wols.org, as well as preparing job applications and writing resumes.

The Learning Center is open with at least one staff person present, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and students’ schedules are flexible, allowing residents to attend AA meetings at noon. Depending on their individual plans, students work with the teachers or independently, using the center’s computers, scanners, and printers, or accessing textbooks and reference materials.

The Learning Center is located off-campus in Port Townsend’s Uptown Business District, surrounded by coffee shops, retail stores and a small grocery store, providing our residents with important opportunities to interact with the local community, develop as good citizens and further build their life skills.

CERTIFIED TEACHERS

The education coordinator of the Learning Center is certified by the State of Washington Board of Education and works with each resident to create an individualized learning plan geared to the resident’s abilities, interests and previous education.

An important component to the Gray Wolf educational approach is having our teacher work with each resident's therapist, case manager and counselor to develop programs that are appropriate to the individual resident’s treatment plan. This ensures that the goals and expectations set for each student are realistic and achievable. Our teacher also performs academic evaluations, administers exams and provides a connection to any local high school and college instructors that may be involved in the resident’s education.